Today is World Teachers Day! However PLDT Gabay Guro did first, by celebrating it in advance, honoring the teachers through TeacherFest 2016 at the Mall of Asia Arena. Whether you're a teacher or aspiring one, let TeacherFest inspire you.

Almost 20,000 teachers from public and private schools nationwide assembled at the Mall of Asia Arena for PLDT Gabay Guro’s 9th Grand Gathering, also known as TeacherFest. Since its establishment in 2007, PLDT Gabay Guro (2G) has been able to grant over 1,100 scholarships in various state colleges and universities nationwide; train over 16,000 teachers; donate laptops and computers to schools and foundations and build over 40 classrooms located in Cebu, Bohol, Leyte and Capiz.

As the educational arm and flagship project of the PLDT-Smart Foundation, PLDT Gabay Guro (2G) focuses on upholding the vocation of teachers. Its tagline “building the nation one teacher at a time” highlights the valuable role of teachers in leading their students to the future and shaping the next generation of nation builders. With the highly anticipated TeacherFest, 2G culminated its 9th year of trainings, scholarships and livelihood programs for the teacher beneficiaries, right in time for Teachers’ Month.

World-class performers came together in one stage. (L-R): Multi-talented music icon Jaya, concert king Martin Nievera, Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez and the one and only OPM President Ogie Alcasid.

Like previous years, the 9th PLDT Gabay Guro TeacherFest honored the teachers’ hard work, dedication and impact on society with a day filled with their favorite celebrities, world-class performances and exciting, life-changing prizes. The event was graced by no less than Vina Morales, Pops Fernandez, MJ Lastimosa, Sam Concepcion, Michael Pangilinan, Jona Viray, Gary and Gab Valenciano, Martin Nievera, Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez, Lea Salonga, Pia Wurtzbach and more. On top of being star-studded, the celebration was glittered with amazing raffle prizes ranging from cash and trips to local and international destinations to the coveted Foton van and house-and-lot grand raffle from Perry’s group of companies.

“Each year, we look forward to this event which is our way of rewarding teachers for their valuable presence in our lives, and their selfless work which is recognized and appreciated,” PLDT Gabay Guro Chairman Chaye Cabal-Revilla said. “With this year’s TeacherFest, we are honoring nine years of our commitment to helping teachers change lives.”

“By treating our teachers to world-class entertainment and surprises, we pay tribute to them and give them a break from their daily challenges in the biggest way possible,”PLDT VP and Home Marketing Director Gary Dujali added. “We look forward to giving them more wonderful, memorable days as well as our full support as they continue their mission of shaping our country’s future leaders.”

Miss Universe 2015 and Philippines’ pride Pia Wurtzbach graced the stage with her achievement walk and an inspiring message for the teachers.

TeacherFest 2016 is made possible through the help of the following partners:

Perry’s Group of Companies

Foton

Intel

Devant

Honda and Suzuki for the motorcyles

PR Savings Bank and Manila teachers for the tricycles

Penshoppe

National Bookstore

Enchanted Kingdom

Splash

Tempra

Flanax

Bonamine

Vivalyte

Betadine

Gardenia

Bic

Art Attack

Microsoft

Smart

TNT

Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar

First United Travel Agency

myPhone

Star Mobile

PECCI

PWC

Red Cross

SGV

The Flower Collection

San Marino Corned Tuna

Philippine Star

51 Talk

For more information, visit gabayguro.com, like the PLDT Gabay Guro Facebook page and follow @PLDTGabayGuro on Twitter and Instagram.